A FAMILY doctor today criticised patients for missing more than 2,700 appointments at his practice during the past 12 months.

A FAMILY doctor today criticised patients for missing more than 2,700 appointments at his practice during the past 12 months.

Dr Basil Andreou, of Oldbury Health Centre, said the absentees not only wasted NHS resources but increased waiting times for other patients.

His comments, based on latest figures, today prompted the launch of a "keep it or cancel it" campaign by Sandwell health officials.

Postcards are being issued as a reminder for patients when booking their appointments.

Missed appointments during the past year ranged from nine per cent of GP appointments and 20 per cent of practice nurse appointments at Dr Masicharan's practice in Causeway Green Road, Oldbury.

In contrast Dr Leadbeater and Dr Bhimji at Swanpool Medical Centre, in St Mark's Road, Tipton reported that only three per cent of all appointments missed.

Research showed that missed appointments were just as unpopular with the public as with practices, with 65 per cent of the public supporting charging people for missing their appointment and 41 per cent supporting "striking off" patients who kept missing appointments.

Patients' forgetting was a major cause of missed appointments, as well as feeling better or not valuing their appointments.

Dr Andreou said: "Missed appointments are a frustrating problem for all practices.

"Missed appointments not only waste NHS resources, but also increase waiting times for other patients. I would ask that all patients remember to attend their appointment or cancel if they are unable to be there or no longer need it."